Footwear screen printing ink can separate from the material, between printed layers, or only after shoe forming. Before selecting a replacement ink, identify the failing layer and the stage where peeling first appears. Compare the affected print with a retained reference from the same material batch, and record the surface preparation, basecoat, colour ink, hardener and drying sequence. Our factory team can then review the actual nylon, TPU, rubber or other footwear construction and discuss a compatible ink system or material trial before recommending another ink.
Do not change the ink before locating the failure
“Poor adhesion” can describe three different failures. The print may separate from the shoe material, the colour layer may separate from the basecoat, or the construction may fail only after forming, chemical contact or another production step. The first useful decision is to identify that interface.
- Locate: photograph both separated faces and mark the stage where peeling first appears.
- Reconstruct: list the cleaner, treatment, basecoat, colour ink, hardener and drying interval in order.
- Compare: keep an approved or original process as the control and change one factor at a time.
- Confirm: repeat the actual production exposure and required physical test before approval.
Where and when does the ink peel?
| What you observe | What to check first | Useful evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Print lifts from the material | Identify the surface finish and record the cleaner, treatment and basecoat used. | Photos of both separated faces; untreated and printed material from the same batch. |
| Colour separates from the basecoat | Review the complete layer sequence, product compatibility and interval between coats. | Exact product names, layer order and drying records. |
| Print holds initially but peels after forming | Compare the print before and after forming, including chemicals it contacts and conditioning before that operation. | The step where failure first appears; product and mixing records. |
| A new material batch fails | Compare the actual finish and process with the previously approved batch. | Retained samples from both batches and the same adhesion test method. |
Match the check to your shoe material
- Nylon or waterproof nylon: identify the finish and current ink system. Use the nylon guide to prepare a material review.
- TPU, PU or synthetic leather: record the coating, pretreatment and the next forming operation. See TPU process selection.
- Mesh or multilayer uppers: identify whether the failure is at the fabric, basecoat or colour layer. A photo of the exposed interface is more useful than a product name alone.
Two failure routes from our factory case records
Colour delaminating from a water-based basecoat
A Yunrui case involved solvent-based colour over a water-based clear basecoat. The investigation identified the layer combination and an extended interval before overprinting. The corrective route reviewed the overprint stage and compatible product system, including a complete water-based alternative. For colour-ink selection, review water-based footwear printing inks alongside the specified basecoat, clear finish and material trial.
What to take into your trial: record each layer and the actual drying interval. Evaluate the complete construction. This individual case does not mean every mixed water-based and solvent-based pairing will fail.
Ink peeling after contact with forming chemicals
Another case recorded omitted surface treatment and an ink construction without the required hardener. Peeling appeared when the print contacted chemicals during shoe forming. The proposed route included the appropriate treatment and a basecoat with its specified hardener.
What to take into your trial: evaluate the print through the relevant downstream operation. An initial adhesion result alone does not establish performance after forming.
Technical basis: Yunrui factory presentation, adhesion cases 8 and 10. Case observations guide evaluation; they are not a guarantee for another material.
When should you change the ink?
First check whether the approved preparation, layer sequence and conditioning were followed. If failure remains under the agreed process, or the material and test requirements have changed, discuss a different ink system or custom footwear ink development.
Confirm the exact cleaner, primer, ink and hardener together. Use product-specific instructions for mixing and curing; a ratio from another case is not a general recipe.
A practical comparison trial
Use material from the same batch and compare complete constructions under the same test. The exact products and processing conditions must be confirmed for your material.
| Trial | Purpose | What stays controlled | Decision it supports |
|---|---|---|---|
| A — Current process | Reproduce the failure and establish the reference. | Material batch, layer order, drying records and test method. | Confirms when and where the existing construction fails. |
| B — Preparation review | Check whether the specified cleaning, treatment or basecoat route changes the result. | Use the same colour target, application method and final test as Trial A. | Shows whether the first failing interface is linked to surface preparation. |
| C — System compatibility review | Evaluate a compatible layer system proposed after technical review. | Use the same substrate, print build target and production exposure. | Shows whether a different complete system should move to a larger trial. |
Record the result after the required conditioning and after the real forming or chemical-contact step when applicable. Obtain material receiving instructions before sending physical samples.
What to send with your material
A representative unprinted piece and a failed printed piece allow the factory team to compare the substrate and exposed interfaces. If physical samples are not yet available, start with clear photographs and the process record.
- Material supplier description, colour and batch reference
- Unprinted material plus failed print, where available
- Cleaner, treatment, basecoat, ink and hardener product names
- Mixing, application, drying and conditioning record
- Photos before and after forming or testing
- Required standard, acceptance criterion and planned production use
Common questions
Will adding more hardener stop ink peeling?
Not necessarily. The correct hardener and amount depend on the ink system. First identify the failing interface and review the product instructions; more hardener is not a universal adhesion fix.
Can the same ink work on every nylon or TPU material?
Material names alone do not identify surface finishes or the complete construction. Evaluate the actual material, printed layers and required production test before approving a system.
What should I send for an adhesion assessment?
Start with your material and a description of when it peels. Photos of the failed surfaces, the layer sequence and any test requirements can follow. Keep unprinted and failed printed samples if available.
Get help with an adhesion problem
Describe your material and the stage where the print fails. Our factory team in China supports Indian footwear manufacturers with material assessment, ink selection and custom formulation discussions.
Download the adhesion assessment & trial record
Use this one-page English worksheet to record your material, failure location, product sequence and comparison test. Fill it digitally in a compatible PDF reader or print it. Keep unknown details blank.
Download the fillable worksheet (PDF)
Save your completed copy and send it to alex@stridechem.in with relevant photos. The PDF does not submit your information automatically.
Where does the print separate?
Record whether the failure is at the material surface, between printed layers, or only after forming or testing. Compare an affected piece with an unaffected reference from the same material batch.
A photo, material name and defect stage are enough to begin the discussion. Trial samples are free; the customer pays postage.
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